Drugs lead to dead ends Published Oct. 27, 2006 By Maj. Oscar Hartley 43rd Medical Support Squadron POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The Air Force Demand Reduction programs and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment include substance abuse prevention, education, treatment and urinalysis testing. SA prevention and treatment policies and programs are thoroughly integrated into every facet of Air Force core values, quality of life, and force management. These policies have been in place for over two decades and have evolved to meet changing conditions within the Air Force. Our members are held to the highest standards of discipline and behavior, both on and off duty. Individuals who experience problems related to SA will receive counseling and treatment as needed; however, all Air Force members are held accountable for unacceptable behavior. Drug abuse is defined as the wrongful, illegal or illicit use of a controlled substance, prescription medication, over-the-counter medication or intoxicating substance or the possession, distribution, or introduction onto a military installation of any controlled substance. "Wrongful" means without legal justification or excuse and includes use contrary to the directions of the manufacturer or prescribing healthcare provider (prescription medication may only be taken by the individual for whom the prescription was written) and use of any intoxicating substance not intended for human ingestion. Air Force policy is to prevent drug abuse among its personnel. The Air Force is responsible for identifying and treating drug abusers and disciplining or discharging those who use or promote illegal or improper use of drugs. Air Force members are also prohibited from possessing, selling or using drug paraphernalia. Illegal or improper use of drugs by an Air Force member is a serious breach of discipline, is incompatible with service in the Air Force, and automatically places the member's continued service in jeopardy. The Air Force does not tolerate such conduct; therefore, drug abuse can lead to criminal prosecution resulting in a punitive discharge or administrative actions, including, separation or discharge under other than honorable conditions. Local drug threat assessment for Pope reveals marijuana, cocaine and Ecstasy are used. However, any drug abuse threatens our population. Some consequences of Drug/Alcohol misuse and abuse include hangovers, minor injuries, embarrassing behaviors and decreased communication. During the abuse stage an ongoing relationship with chemicals has been developed. Chemical use is then planned when areas of life that were once important begin to be neglected. Relationships with loved ones begin to deteriorate rapidly. Consequences related to chemical use occur with increasing frequency and are more severe. Dependency progresses without intervention and treatment to death resulting from overdose, illness, accidents, violence or suicide. The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program is governed by Air Force Instruction 44-121. Guidance is provided for the identification, treatment, and management of active duty members with substance abuse problems. It is a mandatory program. ADAPT primary focus is prevention and education based services. The substance abuse assessment and any clinical services are not punitive/disciplinary in nature. The central purpose is to determine treatment and levels of care required. We then work with the active duty member, their family, and their chain of command to accommodate their needs. Available services include comprehensive assessment, primary evaluation, individual counseling, marital counseling, community referrals, case management, education and prevention based services, coordination of in-patient rehabilitation, group counseling, transitional services and coordination of detoxification services. For more information you can visit www.sacpd.org/drugs.html or call the ADAPT program at 394-1182 or 394-4700.